London Mavericks are proud to celebrate four athletes from the Mavericks pathway who have been selected to represent England at the 2026 Europe Netball U17 Championship.
Taking place from Friday 6 – Sunday 8 March at Aberdeen Sports Village in Aberdeen, Scotland, the international competition will bring together five of Europe’s strongest emerging netball nations: England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and UAE (United Arab Emirates).
Among the England squad are four Mavericks athletes who have progressed through the club’s development pathway – a testament to the strength of the programme and the exciting young talent rising through the ranks.
Mavericks Pathway Talent on the International Stage
Leading the squad will be Anna Dale-Smith, who has been named England U17 Captain and will make her international debut at the tournament.
Joining her in the leadership group is Timi Adewale, who has been appointed Vice Captain and returns to the competition after making her debut at Netball Europe last year.
Completing the Mavericks quartet are Beth Maclean and Nicole Deaconescu, who will also be stepping onto the international stage for the first time.
The selections highlight the continued success of the Mavericks performance pathway, with four young athletes earning the opportunity to compete on one of the biggest stages in European youth netball.
For Dale-Smith, captaining the side adds another special layer to her first international tournament.
“It is a huge privilege to be part of a squad with immense drive and determination,” said Anna Dale-Smith.
“I am so grateful to be captain of this amazing team of girls, and I cannot wait to take the court at Europe Netball to hopefully achieve what we have been training hard for.”
Vice-Captain Timi Adewale also spoke about the pride of representing England again and stepping into a leadership role within the squad.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be part of the England U17 leadership group for Europe Netball. It’s such an honour to represent my country and lead alongside such inspiring teammates.”
Adewale brings valuable tournament experience to the group after featuring in the England U17 Young Roses squad at last year’s Netball Europe competition, while Dale-Smith, Maclean and Deaconescu will all make their international debuts.
Leadership Praise from England U17 Head Coach
England U17 Head Coach Josie Pointon praised both Mavericks athletes selected for the leadership roles, highlighting the qualities they bring to the squad.
“We’re delighted to appoint Anna as captain and Timi as vice-captain ahead of the Europe Netball competition.”
Pointon highlighted Dale-Smith’s presence within the group.
“Anna brings real composure and assurance to her role, and she has a strong ability to communicate clearly and raise standards across the group.”
She also emphasised Adewale’s experience and work ethic.
“Timi is a highly experienced player, currently competing up in the NXT Gen League, and she consistently leads by example through her work ethic and commitment to the team both on and off the court.”
“Together they will provide strong leadership as we prepare to represent England in Europe Netball.”
Tournament Format
The 2026 Europe Netball U17 Championship will feature five teams competing in a round-robin format, with each nation playing one another across the three-day competition.
The tournament provides a major platform for Europe’s best young netballers to gain international experience and showcase the future of the sport.
Fans can watch every match live on the Netball Europe YouTube channel, as England’s Young Roses take on Europe’s top emerging teams in Aberdeen.
Be sure to follow along and support our four Mavericks pathway athletes as they represent both England and London Mavericks on the international stage.